About 40 leading British aerospace firms will participate in Aero India 2011, the Bangalore air show next week to forge partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies, the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) office said Thursday.

A bout 40 leading British aerospace firms will participate in Aero India 2011, the Bangalore air show next week to forge partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies, the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) office said Thursday.

British Minister for Defense Equipment Support and Technology Peter Luff will lead a large defence and business delegation to the five-day air show at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base near Yelahanka on the city’s outskirts, where the British firms will showcase their cutting edge technology in the defense, aviation and security sectors.

“Forging industrial partnerships and joint ventures between our defense industries, air force and defense scientists and Indian counterparts will be high on our agenda during the visit to Aero India, a world class show and best in the region,” Luff said in a statement.

The delegation will also discuss with the Indian authorities prospects of the Eurofighter Typhoon in the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender for the IAF000. The Typhoon, a product of a European consortium, including Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain, is in the race with five other global aerospace majors for the 126 fighter aircraft order from the IAF, estimated to be worth USD 10 billion.

“Our strategic relationship with India is important and we are keen to engage in both the defense and security sectors to enhance the relationship,” Luff said.

Other British aerospace firms with business interests in India are Cobham, Hampson, Magellan, STG and Preston.

“British aerospace firms are developing their business across India. Our representation at air show spans a wide spectrum with business interests here such as BAE Systems and Rolls Royce,” British High Commissioner to India Richard Stagg noted.

According to UKTI’s Defense and Security Organization (DSO) head Richard Paniguian, the British industry is keen to identify opportunities in the Indian sub-continent for long-term industrial partnerships in air, land, maritime and security sectors.

The delegation will include Air Marshal Kevin J. Leeson, Chief of Material, Royal Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Nigel Maddox, UKTI-DSO Military Adviser and Alan Malpas, UKTI Regional Director for India, the Middle East and Northern Africa.

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